Until now, freethinkers such as those who practice atheism or naturalism have been pushed to the sidelines and were rarely able to voice their opinions using mainstream media. But with the Internet, times have changed. Atheists and other freethinkers have been able to break out of their shell and use the Internet as a medium of voice and expression for their frustrations. The Web enables a freethinker to not only express an opinion, but to put it in writing for millions to see. It gives voice to the so-called infidel, heretical person, godless society, or whatever term our society wants to label those who refuse to join the millions of people involved in organized religion. An Open Door to Science and Anti-Theology The Web not only gives atheists and other freethinkers a voice, but also gives them the ability to post documentation, photos and resources for their beliefs. One website alone can host thousands of images as well as page after page of written content. A site's content can be promoted all over the Web to millions of people through main search engines, pay-per-click methods, e-zines, banner ads, and other forms of marketing. This creates a terrific opportunity for anyone to make their case to a broad audience without fear of backlash from conservatives in the religious arena. Photos and photo essays of earth or science documentation can be created at minimal costs. A website at the lowest monthly pricing possible can hold many images and words. But even those more elaborate sites with thousands of pages can be hosted for very little when compared to other forms of advertising. A free thinker can create his/her own website with very little start-up costs and build it over time to a develop very large, effective Web presence. Bringing Freethinkers Together Another advantage of the Web is it brings freethinkers together from around the world. Those who otherwise would have never known one another can unite online to chat, exchange ideas, share information and resources, and sell products related to atheism, naturalism, heresy, and other forms of freethought. Chat rooms, discussion forums and blogs give everyone a voice, typically with no strings attached. So ideas about atheism and other freethought ideas can be expressed free from persecution. Freethought and atheism websites also make it easier to promote a political agenda, whether one wants to promote on a local, state or national scale. There are many opportunities to rally together online to promote a certain bill in Congress or local and state amendments during election campaigns. Websites can be used to offer promotional campaign materials such as signs, buttons, hats, shirts, bumper stickers, etc. to other freethinkers in the local area or around the country. Products freethinkers can find online are numerous. There are hundreds of books promoting atheism, science and freethought such as Abusing Science by Philip Kitcher, The Portable Atheist by Christopher Hitchens (and various authors), Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer, Science on Trial by Douglas J. Futuyma, and many other titles. There are also promotional products such as mouse pads, mugs, posters, tiles, stickers, shirts, and sweatshirts to promote the cause of freethought or to use in fund raisers. One atheist alone might find it difficult to make a difference and spread his/her views, but the Internet makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of freethinkers to come together for their cause!
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